Chapter 3

My mom saw right through him.

She understood his weakness, his vanity, and his fatal flaw. He was always a sucker for a pretty face.

That was why she made sure to have a backup plan.

She endured three years of pain to make sure I'd have a way out.

I turned to the counselor and asked, "So, can I graduate on time now?"

The counselor nodded quickly, several times.

Sarah came rushing over and grabbed my arm.

"Zayla, I know I messed up before," she blurted out, her nails digging into my skin. "We're family, okay?

"From now on,…